Fixing a receding or sinking retaining wall may require removing the old wall, pouring new concrete in its place, and rebuilding the foundation. A more intensive adjustment to make is “Retaining Wall Retrofit” which involves digging it up completely over the existing foundation (altering about 12 inches of soil), installing changes like rock anchoring systems and stronger support beams with metal brackets and screws. For the average homeowner, it’s usually best to get a professional opinion on this problem before making any additional adjustments.
If you’re looking for ways to strengthen your retaining wall, please call one of our specialists today!
The wall’s foundation can be extended or thickened with concrete to better resist shear forces. Extending the base’s footing or adding concrete to thicken the base are two methods for doing so. Using anchors or tiebacks for extra strength is another possibility.
Use rebar that is 12 inches taller than the wall’s height. Place one of the rebar poles in front of the brick and make it flush with it. Hammer the rebar into the earth until it is level with the top of the retaining wall. Place one piece of rebar every foot. Repeat the process on the backside of the wall.
Use a tape measure to mark a line on each pole at a height that is two inches taller than half of your retaining wall’s height. Connect all of these lines with a ruler and use the carbon paper to transfer the line onto your concrete poles.
Pour concrete into each pole until they are even with your drawing and let them dry overnight before continuing.
As you remove every other layer, take care not to disturb what remains so that your brick pattern stays intact. Place new layers in between the existing ones so that they look like one solid retaining wall instead of bricks stacked next to each other and mortar in between them. If done correctly, it should be difficult for people to notice the new layers and your wall should hold up for years to come!